A 111 Becomes a Swede

First build for me. What a great resource this site is. I knew I wanted a long range target rig to try to hang with my buddies and their custom action, cut rifled, McMillan stocked, Nightforce scoped outfits, but I didn't have $4k to drop on a new gun (and stay married). I lurked here for a while then eventually joined and got some great advice on caliber and components from other members. I wanted something that would reach out, but be pleasant to shoot without a brake.

I had already hit every pawn shop within 40 miles looking for a donor rifle. Only a couple of short actions available, and they were overpriced. Finally settled on a very nice model 111 in .270 with a laminate stock, CF, top release, Accutrigger and crappy scope for $275.

Now, what chambering? Thought about a .243 AI, but didn't want to deal with fireforming, then it came down to a .260 Rem or a 6.5X55 Swede. I was still on the fence when I called Jim at Northwest Shooters Supply, about ordering a barrel and it turned out he had a Criterion 6.5X55 barrel in stock but not a .260. Perfect! an old cartridge for this old guy.

Here is the donor riffle: Almost too nice to break apart. Can't bring myself to sell the stock and barrel.

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Ordered the Criterion 26 inch varmint contour barrel, SS barrel nut, SS recoil lug, action wrench, nut wrench, and lighter Accutrigger spring from Jim at NSS. Jim ROCKS!

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/o...d/IMG_3173.jpg

Really sweated getting the factory barrel off, but it wasn't bad at all, though the action wrench barely fit in my vise (90 degrees from this). Ready for the new barrel.

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A thing of beauty.

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/o...d/IMG_3178.jpg

Ordered a Forster "go" gage and decided to make my own "no go". One layer of Scotch giftwrap tape on the base added .002 to the go gage. Perfect.

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/o...d/IMG_3204.jpg

This thing needs a stock!

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/o...d/IMG_3194.jpg

Settled on a Choate tactical stock. Inexpensive choices are limited for long actions with heavy barrels unless you want to bed and/or open the barrel channel. Happy with the Choate though. Also sporting a Weaver Tactical 20 minute base. Couldn't find an EGW. Like the Weaver though.

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/o...2015.50.10.jpg


Now for a scope. I'd settled on a Vortex Viper HS-T in 6-24X50. Chose to buy it locally so I could have it mounted/lapped/boresighted. Unfortunately he didn't have one in MOA reticle like I wanted, so he cut me a nice deal and I "settled" for a PST 6-24X50. There went the budget...

I couldn't wait to shoot it, so out to the range today right after getting the scope mounted. Spent more time cleaning the bore than shooting it seemed.

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/o...2015.05.27.jpg

Shooting the cheap box of factory ammo for break-in was nothing too special, though the last 3 shot group was less than 1 MOA. I worked up a few mild handloads with IMR4350 and 140SMK's though, and the results are promising! Sub .5 MOA on break-in day (and the one on the right was a fouler).

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/o...2020.26.49.jpg

I can't wait to work up some loads!

A big thanks to the whole community here for all the help. I'll post some more targets as I develop loads and some final pics once I get the new trigger guard, bolt handle and maybe paint the stock.

Outstanding

Congrats! Wait until you stretch the legs on this caliber!

Might I suggest H4831 and H4350? :) You just might find something special with one of these two powders.

My lord, it looks like most of mine. Bet it ends up shooting as good to.

And if you haven't done so already, make sure you pick up some new Lapua brass for the Swede. With it, you'll be very happy with the new legs your Swede has due to the extra brass strength.

Oh yeah, already have a hundred rounds of Lapua brass @ $63.00. They must make a ton of 6.5X55 for all the locals up there with that price. The handloads I shot were with the Lapua.

Thanks for the powder suggestion dcloco. Had the IMR 4350 on hand, but will probably try H4831 and maybe R22 (if I can find them). Also have some Berger 140 hybrids ordered.

How did you deal with the magazine release? Was yours the bottom release or side release?

Mine is blind mag, so no worries there. At some point I may wish for a DBM though so I can really play with the tactical kids. Out at the range today working up loads. The Berger 140 Hybrids have potential.

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You need to enter those groups in the e-mail match.....

http://www.savageshooters.com/showth...ry-Match-Posts

How much did that barrel cost you? I just bought a donor for my first build and want to go with the 6.5x55 myself. Nice shooting by the way.

Does the Lapua brass stick to your bolt or does it eject normally? I've read the Lapua brass is spec'd at .480 rather than the .473 and requires the bolt face to be opened up on some rifles.

Was wondering the same thing? Have seen posts where guys will turn down the brass. Seems like opening the bolt face would be.easier in the long run.

I paid $300 for the barrel from NSS. Jim had it in stock. I have had no problems with extraction and ejection with the Swede's slightly larger base diameter. My Lapua brass measures .478. The only problems I've read about are with Remington 700 actions. I don't think you need to turn the brass with a Savage. I did have to go with a different shellholder on my reloading press.

Thank you sir. That is good to know.

I have the exact same barrel on a 110 in that same stock. No problem to get under 1/2" groups at 200 yds with the 140 gr Amax. Great old cartridge.

What size rings did you go with? I am either going to get the same scope or the Bushnell elite tactical.
Great looking shooter!

I originally bought some Leupold med rings, but when I was having the scope mounted it looked a little too high in those. Went with some low Warne rings instead that were in stock where I bought the scope. Scope sits only about 5mm above the barrel now. I think it may depend on the brand of base and rings as to whether low or medium will work best.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 243LPR

I have the exact same barrel on a 110 in that same stock. No problem to get under 1/2" groups at 200 yds with the 140 gr Amax. Great old cartridge.

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Hey 243, what's the rest of your recipe behind those 140 Amax's?